What is the 3rd Derivative of Position?

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SUMMARY

The third derivative of position, represented as m(d³x/dt³), corresponds to the rate of change of acceleration, known as jerk. In this context, the product of mass and the derivative of acceleration, m(da/dt), is informally referred to as "Yank." While "Yank" is not an official term, it highlights the physical implications of rapid changes in force, particularly in scenarios like rollercoaster dynamics where such changes can affect human perception. The discussion emphasizes the relationship between jerk, force, and momentum in classical mechanics.

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  • Understanding of classical mechanics concepts such as position, velocity, and acceleration.
  • Familiarity with derivatives and their physical interpretations in physics.
  • Knowledge of Newton's laws of motion, particularly the relationship between force and mass.
  • Basic mathematical skills to differentiate functions and interpret physical quantities.
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  • Research the concept of jerk in physics and its applications in real-world scenarios.
  • Explore the implications of rapid changes in force on human physiology during motion.
  • Study the mathematical derivation of higher-order derivatives in classical mechanics.
  • Investigate the relationship between jerk and other physical quantities in engineering contexts.
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Physics students, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in the dynamics of motion and the effects of acceleration on physical systems.

bomba923
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Although my notation is likely incorrect,

Momentum =
m\frac{{dx}}{{dt}} = m \cdot v

Force =
m\frac{{d^2 x}}{{dt^2 }} = m\frac{{dv}}{{dt}} = m \cdot a

Then,
m\frac{{d^3 x}}{{dt^3 }} = m\frac{{d^2 v}}{{dt^2 }} = m\frac{{da}}{{dt}}

But what would/do you call the m\frac{{da}}{{dt}} ?
 
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Don't know the answer in this context, but the derivative of acceleration is called jerk.
 
Well, my question is what is the name of mass*(da/dt); exactly what physical quantity does it represent (is it a useful physical quantity)?
From that, i think, i can give it a name---but if it already has one,

*What would/do we call the product represented by mass*(da/dt) ?
 
It is just the first time derivative of Force \frac{dF}{dt} (which is also the second time derivative of momentum), which is what the link robphy supplied in his post refers to.

It should be pointed out that using the word 'Yank' to represent this quantity is by no means official, it is more of a tongue in cheek proposition.

Claude.
 
Ahh--that's right :smile:!

Yank =
m\frac{{da}}{{dt}}
 
I can only say that its the quantity of "Yank" that makes you sick in a rollercoaster, because uniform acceleration doesn't disturb our senses very much...
 

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